TNAG-0332-FCO40-368-Visits-of-Secretary-of-State-for-Foreign-and-Commonwealth-Af-1972 — Page 59

USE OF CHINESE AS AN OFFICIAL LANGUAGE (Not discussed in

Hong Kong)

11.

The Hong Kong Government has already accepted in

and are implementing jo

principle the

the recommendations contained in the first two of

the series of four excellent reports prepared by the

Committee appointed by the Governor to examine this whole

subject.

12. The principle of the proposal has received general

sympathy and there is no difference in this respect between

the Hong Kong Government and the supporters of the proposal.

13.

However, the technical and legal problems involved

must not be underrated and the Hong Kong Government has

a duty to make sure that they have been overcome before

acting in the matter.

CONSTITUTIONAL ADVANCE (Mentioned at Press Conference in

Hong Kong)

14.

Because of Hong Kong's special position, constitutional

development towards self-government is not possible and this

is generally realised in the Colony.

CONFRONTATION PRISONERS (Not discussed in Hong Kong)

15. The sentences of all long-term prisoners are

periodically reviewed under the Hong Kong prison rules.

This of course includes prisoners now serving sentences for

offences committed during the disturbances of 1967.

If pressed

these now number 227.

HONG KONG